On the listening to on Wednesday, committee members criticized Mr. Flynn for enacting job cuts after receiving emergency funds as a part of the $2
On the listening to on Wednesday, committee members criticized Mr. Flynn for enacting job cuts after receiving emergency funds as a part of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus handed by federal lawmakers in March.
Congress “supplied over $1 billion in CARES Act funding for Amtrak with the understanding that a part of the funds could be used to forestall furloughs,” mentioned Consultant Daniel Lipinski, Democrat of Illinois. “So Amtrak’s announcement that they’ll furlough over 2,000 workers on Oct. 1 is extraordinarily disappointing.”
Rail advocates additionally mentioned that Amtrak’s service discount on its long-distance routes, which serve practically 220 communities throughout the Southern, mountain and Western areas, could be an amazing blow to native economies for little or no in price financial savings.
“Reducing every day service might drop no less than a $2.three billion bomb on flyover nation whereas presumably solely saving Amtrak $213 million,” mentioned Jim Mathews, the chief government of the Rail Passengers Affiliation, an advocacy group.
Union leaders who signify a majority of Amtrak’s labor pressure additionally questioned Mr. Flynn’s choice to maintain retirement advantages in place for management-level workers whereas furloughing 1,950 union employees within the coming weeks.
Mr. Flynn mentioned these advantages have been essential to retain administration expertise on the firm.
“We urge Amtrak to reverse course and prioritize the rank-and-file, frontline employees who work together straight with our riders,” mentioned Amy Griffin, the president of the Transport Employees Union of America Native 1460. “This cash wouldn’t simply hold 1000’s employed, however protect secure and wholesome rail journey for the communities we serve.”
Senate Republicans on Tuesday launched a pared-down coronavirus stimulus plan, which would offer federal assist to unemployed employees, colleges, farmers, the Postal Service and small companies. No emergency funding for Amtrak is within the proposal, based on an Amtrak spokesman.